Monday, November 30, 2009

Temple could try to get to D.C. the long way

Is Temple headed to the Eagle Bank Bowl through Toronto?It's not a straight shot down I-95, but the long way could be the only way for Temple to get what to many of its fans is the more preferable bowl venue.Right now, it looks as if the only way Temple gets a slot in the Eagle Bank Bowl in Washington, D.C. is if the Owls take Army's slot.That leaves them holding the bag without a bowl if Army pulls off the improbable upset of Navy on Dec. 12 _ one week after bowl bids are officially extended.After 30 years of going without a bowl bid, Temple is just not willing to take that chance so that's why many are speculating that the Owls will be going to Canada to take the MAC's spot in the International Bowl.There is a roundabout way of getting to D.C., though.Something tells me it makes a whole lot of sense for Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw to be working on a three-way deal with either Northern Illinois or Bowling Green, getting one of those seven-win teams to accept the risk for a nine-win team.Bradshaw is getting on a conference call with Mid-American honchos today at 3:30 p.m.The subject on the table is bowl scenarios.Bradshaw (to either Northern Illinois or Bowling Green): "Work with us, here."NIU/BG: "How?""One of you go to Toronto if Navy wins (lead-pipe cinch) and we go to D.C. However, if Navy loses, one of you is out and we'll go to Toronto. Who wants in on this with us?"It's a win/win for everbody because Navy isn't losing, folks.Temple gets an attractive foe, possibly East Carolina in a best-case scenario, and brings a large fan base to D.C.Northern Illinois or Bowling Green gets the shorter trip to Canada and assumes only a slight risk.When the bids are announced, they'll be announced on an either/or basis.If Bradshaw pulls this off, he's a genius.We'll see.Let the dialing begin.